Friday, February 21, 2014

1945 Route Book #4


5 comments:

Roger Smith said...

A genius innovator of circus equipment long in use, and even better at creating labor-saving concepts that won patents. Little has been recounted of his formal education, but nothing seems to indicate enrollment in engineering. He saw back-breaking practices on circus lots and from his fertile mind came intricate designs which relieved or eliminated many of the worst.

Chic Silber said...


Reminds me that the last time I

recall seeing that title used

was for Bob Reynolds on Beatty

I believe Bob may have been the

Boss Props on Ringling before

he joined the new ownership on

the Beatty Show

John Herriott said...

Cap Curtis had a reputation of a real tough guy. Especially with the majority of black big top guys. On Cole he had a stateroom in Zack Terrels private car. Having been with Terrel on the corp. shows and Concello would bring him to RBB in his late year to pick his marvelous self taught engineering expertise. Note the Ringling seat wagons.He had pecan farm in miss. quite a guy. Do not believe he ever married.

Roger Smith said...

Bob Reynolds was Prop Boss on Ringling for years, and was in the DeMille picture. He segued to the Beatty show at the behest of Frank McClosky when he, Kernan, Calhoun, and Collins formed what I call the Gang of Four to purchase the Beatty show at the Sheriff's auction, in mid-1956. Reynolds remained on Props there until his passing. He was succeeded by the hardest-working man I knew in showbusiness, Tommy Clarke.

Chic Silber said...


He may well have started as the

Boss Props on Beatty in the 50s

but by 61 (my 1st of May year)

(which started in March) Tommy

was already Boss Props & Bob

was the General Superintendant

After Tommy left the circus he

joined a specialty local in NY

of the IATSE & worked on the

trade shows & conventions